Fire warning, freeze alert issued

Updated 10:50 pm, Wednesday, December 19, 2012

A blustery cold front has prompted officials to issue a red flag fire warning for most of South-Central Texas today, and a hard freeze is expected tonight.

Today's forecast high is only 59 thanks to the cold front, which is carrying low humidity and strong winds that will increase the chances any fires will spread quickly.

The overnight low is expected to be just 27 in San Antonio, and temperatures could fall below 20 in some parts of the Hill Country.

Winds of 15 to 30 mph will last until midafternoon today, and the humidity will be just 15 percent to 20 percent, National Weather Service forecaster Robert Blaha said. That, along with a recent dry spell, adds up to high fire risk.

Residents there are asked to avoid outdoor burning and activities that could generate a spark.

This week, the Texas A&M Forest Service identified an “area of concern” where the risk of wildfires is high.

The area includes most of the state: everything north of a line from Fort Stockton along Interstate 10 to San Antonio, then north to Austin and northeast to Tyler, and east on Interstate 20 to the state line, according to a news release.

“That region didn't get enough rainfall this year to eliminate drought,” the release states, “but did get enough to increase grass growth.”

The forest service advises Texans to never leave outdoor fires unattended and to take extra precautions with fireworks where they're allowed.